Last week was full of exciting days here at The Island School.   Kayak 3 was out on their trip, which was highlighted by a deep blue hole, where we went swimming and saw a shark and a turtle!   As we paddled, we saw many flying fish skimming the surface of the ocean.   One of the best parts of the trip: no bugs!   The clear air made us all happy.   Our trip wasn’t all games, however.   Our leaders managed to sneak in a class on tides and how the earth and moon pull on each other.   The beach was their chalkboard!   Kayak 3 returned to school sad not to be on the water, but happy to see their friends again and take a shower!

On Thursday, we woke up bright and early to run the 4-mile loop. After breakfast the just-returned kayakers started their first scuba diving class. We learned all of the parts of the scuba equipment, from the mask and tank to the valve openings, plus hand signs used to communicate underwater. After lunch we had a chance to put our new knowledge into practice when we suited up and went scuba diving in the marina.   Despite some cloudy water, we all performed exercises where we removed and replaced our masks, equalized pressure in our sinuses and practiced ascending while breathing from our buddy’s alternate regulator.   Afterward we went on a short tour around the marina bottom, where we found a puffer fish (to be added to the Island School aquarium) and were surprised by a shark that passed.   The rest of the afternoon was far less exciting as we relaxed, hung out and worked on reading Omeros.

Saturday was the last day of kayak trips. We were all back on campus and finished with scuba.   As the next day was Sunday, most people got outside during free time. Some people went to the beach, others played basketball and a couple people went for a run. After dinner, there was a community game of Mafia, a favorite game of Kayak 3. Afterwards we had birthday cake for Melissa’s 16 th birthday, and a surprise treat of ice cream! Usual Suspects was the big screen feature in the presentation room for all who wanted to watch. It was quite a fun filled Saturday night!   

Many of us slept in on Sunday morning. We went swimming in the cut and simply hung out on campus. We played guitar, made necklaces, ran an optional morning exercise, went to a beautiful waterfront church in Rock Sound, or just sat down and talked and chilled. It was not a very eventful day, but it was a good day for a lot of us.

Monday was the start of our three-week academic stretch before the eight-day kayak trips. The day started with a run to High Rock, and, after chores, we dove right into classes. Lunch was followed by a study hour, which all students agreed was deserved. Our studies were a little bit disturbed however, as a bagpiper dropped by the school for a visit. He stayed and played his instrument under the gazebo!   The evening was full of studying for Tuesday’s tests and quizzes, but the tense air was broken as we all sat down for a yummy pasta dinner. We had “bloomers,” a thirty-minute game break after dinner, before sitting down to study for what is sure to be an intense academic period.

Jacob: What is up Bratton, Brad, Rhett, Matt, Nana, H.T., and all others who read this.   Hope Myrtle Beach is fun.   I hope to talk with you soon.

Ches: Hey mom and dad.   Hope all is well in MI.   I hope CO was great.   Tell everyone I said hey.   Things are going awesome here!

Di: Hey all! Mom, I miss and love you.   Dad & Em, hope you enjoy the letters, love to hear from you. Nick, I miss you, keep working hard. Ryan, can’t wait to see you!